21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2014 | Terra Novak

California

Art Education: Bachelor’s degree in painting and drawing from the Laguna College of Art + Design.

Style: I am a representational portrait artist.

Creative Spark: Surrounding myself with other artists has been amazing.

Other Passions: I always want to be outside. I want to camp and sit by a fire. My favorite place to be is my family’s cabin in Utah. I’m athletic and love to play sports.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You: I have a pet ferret named Nash.

Best Advice Received: The best advice I have received is the example from my parents of how to live my life. Advice from my father: “Always work as hard as you can, always try your best, and never give up.” And from my mother: “Love everyone, love yourself, and always paint because that’s what you love to do.”

Biggest Fear: I have had recurring dreams of being stalked by wolves since childhood.

Pet Peeve: When my dog steps on my face at 2 o’clock in the morning to tell me, “I have to potty.”

Quirkiest Trait: I hate to wear shoes. I walk around barefoot as much as possible.

Mantra or Motto: “I hope you dance,” which is the title of a beautiful song by Lee Ann Womack.

Favorite Work by Another Artist: Pieces by John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Chuck Close, and my mother, Annette Novak.